Direct connect.

When Shimano introduced its Shadow line of derailleurs, it was a big departure from the norm, but it offered better clearance and enhanced shifts due to a re-positioned B-knuckle. This, however, required an additional link. While sufficient, there's a growing trend of simplifying mountain bikes -- both in favor of reduced weight and reliability. Thus the introduction of the new direct mount standard for Rear Derailleurs found here on he XT Shadow Plus RD-M786.

If you're still using traditional hanger, the RD-M786 comes with a link installed so it's backwards-compatible. The direct mount, however, eliminates the need for the link, effectively reducing flex, wear, and weight -- all good things to mountain bikers. On compatible frames, the system also allows easier wheel changes with thru axles. Another big change is the stabilizer switch trickled down from XTR and Saint derailleurs.

When engaged, this switch helps to eliminate chain slap and dropped chains by increasing spring tension. This is a valuable option for suspension systems that require chainstays and pivots located close to the rear deraileur. the RD-M786 retains all the last models improvements, including the direct cable path. Your shift housing can enter the stop on the derailleur without the traditional loop of excess housing that often was the victim of contamination and a source of poor performance.

Shimano uses tried-and-true aluminum components in the XT derailleurs. All of the knuckles, linkage plates, and cage sides are made from it. So while it may lack the wow factor of the carbon fiber-laden XTR Shadow, it's more affordable, and if you've been running XT derailleurs as long as we have, you'll know that you'll get plenty of mileage out of it.

The RD-M786 is available with two cage lengths -- Long (SGS) and Mid (GS). The length of the cage determines the overall chainwrap capacity, or how big of a tooth difference it can accommodate between the biggest gear and the smallest gear. Total difference can be found with this equation: big chainring minus small chainring plus largest cog minus smallest cog.

For example, the long cage (SGS) option will work with a 24/32/42 chainring configuration (18t difference) plus an 11/36 cassette out back (25t difference). This meets the maximum chainwrap capacity of the long cage derailleur (43t). The mid length Shimano XT Shadow Rear Derailleur RD-M786 cage (GS) has a chainwrap capacity of 35t and could be used for a single or double ring/bashguard set-up as the 11/36 (25t difference) plus the 24/32 chainring (8t difference) does not exceed its range.

Have an answer for tow4637237?

never drop your chain again

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I used to drop my chain 3-4 times per ride. I ride pretty aggressively - a blur LTC (5.5" travel bike) on rocky terrain. used to have the non-clutch version of this derailleur. upgraded to this, haven't dropped my chain since. literally.

Comment on Ronen Sarig's review:

surprisingly good

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

my last 2 derailleurs were shimanos, and those broke pretty soon after i got them, so i gave shimano one more chance before i switch to SRAM, and apparently they heard me. this is one of the best derailleurs I've had, the shifting is really smooth, but you do need to adjust it now and again. solid, i would recommend it.

Have an answer for cad3340464?

Like a Ninja

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Bought the medium cage silver when I got rid of my big ring and went to a 2x10 setup. It matched up fine since I have XT everything else as far as the drivetrain is concerned. Easy to set up as well, just had to find the right manual online though.

Comment on That Ninja Marlon P 's review:

Road bike use?

Has anyone paired this or a different Shimano MTB rear derailleur with 10spd Ultegra shifters? Running a compact Dura-ace drivetrain (but Ultegra shifters) and with one ride this summer (Harpoon B2B) I want to run a casette that's bigger than 28. Thanks!

It sounds strange, but 10 speed Shimano road shifters are compatible with 9 speed Shimano mountain bike derailleurs. Yes, you can still use all 10 gears on your cassette. You need a 9 speed Shimano mountain bike derailleur to work with 10 speed Ultegra shifters because their cable pull is identical. That's why you see 9 speed mountain bike rear derailleurs on cyclocross bikes with 10 speed road shifters (and 10 speeds on the cassette). It allows you to use a bigger cassette in the back or a couple 9 speed mountain bike derailleurs have a "clutch" in them to help prevent chain slap and chain drops.

If it was SRAM, all 10 speed parts are interchangeable with all 10 speed. Not so with Shimano.

Comment on jakeryan's review:

Ive ordered the XT Shadow 10spd long cage....

Ive ordered the XT Shadow 10spd long cage. I have 9 speed so I figure that will work ok. I can't get the derailleur to shift the full range. I have backed off the stops all the way. What is up? Is it the wrong deraileur? I have the triple chain ring configuration.

I too wanted to use the Shimano Shadow Plus clutched derailleur but then saw it only came on the 10 speed version. I read that it will work with a 9 speed if you use a SRAM 9 speed shifter. I have not confirmed this myself, but do a search and you will see, here is one reference http://faqload.com/faqs/bicycle-components/drivetrain/using-a-clutch-rear-derailleur-with-9-speed-or-even-8-speed

Have an answer for tpap988356?

It's Everything Expected from XT!

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I upgraded from an XT without the Shadow clutch to this and it's sweet to not hear that chain beating my chainstays to death. The shifting is what you would expect from the XT Group...smooth, crisp and responsive. But the clutch is the icing on the cake.

Comment on Feldy's review:

No Issues

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

It has been shifting perfectly on my bike for 8 months with SLX shifters. I really like the clutch that keeps the chain from jumping around. Unfortanetly I sometimes forget to turn it back on when I remove a wheel.

Comment on Cameron's review:

Best RD EVER!

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

So I broke my old SLX RD and want to upgrade my bike with new drive line components. Went for all SLX again with the dyna-sys, but saw that the SLX RD did not have the stabilizer. So I went for the XT group and wow, wow, wow, wow the shift are crisp and clean even when caked in mud. Being able to change out my thru axles with the extra space is always a plus. Almost went with the XTR over this but all you are getting is carbon worked into the RD and I am not a pro so I don?t have money like that to spend.

Have an answer for chap772116?

A Big Leap

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

On my old drivetrain, I always needed to shift to a big-big gear combination on long descents to keep the chain quiet. With Shadow Plus, I don't really worry about chain noise or chain tension in any gear.

Comment on Mike Nelson's review:

A Perfect Pair with the XT Double Cranks

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

The Shimano XT Shadow Plus Rear Derailleur is definitely the answer I was looking for... Coming off a beat X9 group I was looking for an upgrade without breaking the bank. I opted to got Shimano over SRAM because I run all their road stuff and hey why not. As for now, as long as I run a 2x10 I don't think I'll go back. The shifting action is fast and reliable in the rear, and the shadow plus derailleur clutch prevented chain slap like a dream. I no longer sound like a firecrackers exploding in a metal rubbish bin when ping ponging over rocky trails or braking on stutter bumps. For the price...can't beat it...and just a few more grammos than the gucci XTR version.